Whitney Houston’s Funeral Will Cost Newark Residents $187,000

Even though Whitney Houston is resting easy with the angels, her hometown of Newark, NJ is catching hell. According to TMZ, Newark residents are being hit with a $187,000 tab in police overtime for the former pop princess’ funeral.

Local authorities staffed nearly 200 police officers at the New Baptist Church, where the funeral took place, as well as at the funeral home and a private gathering for friends and family. The nearly $200-thousand bill represents about 5 percent of the department’s $4 million annual budget.

While Newark councilwoman Mildred Crump the extra police detail was necessary to keep crowds of fans under control, Newark residents feel they shouldn’t have to pay, since the general public wasn’t given access to attend the event.

Quincy Ruffin, a local residents said ““I think it’s absolutely ridiculous when you have people who are unemployed and homeless, people walking up and down the streets.”

What say you readers—should the city of Newark have to pay for this extra expense? Or should Whitney’s family foot the bill?